Call me Mr. Typo

: : : : : I am looking for the origin or other information on the phrase "the wit of the staircase"

: : : : l'espirit de l'escalier or the "the wit of the staircase".
: : : : Those biting ripostes that are thought of just seconds too late, on the way out of the room halfway down the stairs or even days later.

: : Oops. Hit the wrong button.
: : We used to call them "garden gate replies," but I like l'esirit de l'escalier better.